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A dual-mode immunoassay strategy based on CdS nanoparticles as signal probes with both of photoluminescent (PL) and multi-phonon resonance Raman scattering (MRRS) properties was developed. Simplified structural design and preparation were achieved due to the intrinsic integration of PL and MRRS dual signals in the single-unit CdS nanoprobes. Human immunoglobulin G (HIgG) was sensitively and specifically detected using the proposed PL-MRRS dual-mode strategy. The linear relationship between the HIgG concentration and the intensity of 707 nm PL peaks/300 cm

Aiming to the ongoing challenge of accurate and sensitive detection for cancer biomarkers, antibody-functionalized NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+@SiO2 nanorods were developed as upconversion luminescence (UCL)–infrared absorption (IRA) nanoprobes. Benefiting from the shielding effect of the SiO2 shell, an enhanced UCL was achieved. Additionally, an IRA detection signal was introduced by the Si-O-Si bonds of SiO2. Its mutual verification with UCL signal was favorable for ensuring the accuracy of the assay. A UCL-IRA sandwich detection method was established for the detection of the prostate-specific antigen. The UCL intensity at 542 nm and IRA at 1095 cm−1 were chosen for quantitative assay. The method has high sensitivity (0.05 pg mL−1) and selectivity. The range of detection (200 fg mL−1–200 ng mL−1) was singnificantly broadened compared with that of single-readout UCL or IRA detection. The assay performance of human serum samples demonstrated the practicability of the method in clinical cancer diagnosis.

The level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum has the significant reference value for early diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. However, the CEA detection still suffers from the issue of limited sensitivity and reliability. Herein, a fluorescence (FL)-infrared absorption (IRA) dual-mode nanoprobe was fabricated based on carbon dots (CDs)@SiO2 nanorod for CEA detection. The FL and IRA signals display no mutual interference and can verify each other, ensuring the reliability of assay results. The highly sensitive FL signal originating from the CDs is enhanced by the surface passivation of SiO2 and improves the overall sensitivity of the detection. The detection range spans 9 orders of magnitude and the limit of detection reaches 794.6 ag mL−1, which are great superior to the commercial kits and most of the previous reports. Satisfactory recovery over the commercial kits was achieved in real serum samples. The ultrasensitive and reliable FL-IRA detection strategy sheds light on a new avenue toward promoting the practicability of the nanoprobes in clinical cancer diagnosis.

A colorimetric method is described for the determination of Cu(II). It is based on branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) droplet evaporation on a superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic polystyrene micropatterned surface. Exposure to Cu(II) leads to a color change from colorless to light blue and dark blue. The micropatterned surface was fabricated via combining electrospinning with oxygen plasma and served as a detection substrate. Analysis requires only a single drop of blood. The method has a linear response in the 5.0 μM to 2.5 mM Cu(II) concentration range which is within the physiological range (15.7 ∼ 23.6 μM). Compared to an assay in solution, the detection limit is decreased from 386 nM to 89 nM. Excellent selectivity over other metal ions and anions was achieved. Graphical abstract A rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection platform for Cu(II) was fabricated by using branched-polyethylenimine droplet evaporation on a superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic micropatterned surface. Only a single drop of blood was needed for the analysis. The sensitivity was improved about 4.3 times.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been widely considered as the most effective way for the separation and preparation of optically pure enantiomers. In the resolution by HPLC, the separation ability of a column strongly depends on the properties of a chiral stationary phase (CSP). Among many CSPs, the immobilized CSPs, which are becoming one of the most important kinds of CSPs, have the advantages of good solvent durability and enormous method flexibility. In this work, a novel optically active acrylamide derivative (S)-APACP was synthesized by two-step reactions, and its chemical structure was characterized by 1H NMR. The polyacrylamide derivatives were immobilized on silica gel by three-step reactions to prepare immobilized CSPs, and the immobilization amount of the polymers was tested by thermogravimetric analysis. The chiral recognition ability of the immobilized CSPs was evaluated by HPLC, and the effects of Lewis acid and mobile phase on the chiral recognition ability were investigated. The results showed that APACP polymer was successfully immobilized on silica gel to prepare immobilized-type CSP with better solvent durability, and the amount of immobilized polymer was 10. 2% to 11. 8%. The immobilized-type CSP showed good chiral recognition ability for several enantiomers.